Biography
A History of Music

Having the good fortune to be born into a musical family in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, East Africa, Jacinta Luis has been playing the piano since the age of 3 1/2.

Jacinta Luis
Vocalist, Pianist, Composer, Entertainer and Professor

Her family’s musical roots can be traced back to their origins in Goa. Every member of her family sang and played at least one instrument, and jamming together was a popular activity at home. She grew to love the bossa novas and swing tunes her father’s band rehearsed in their den.

In 1971, the Luis family immigrated to Canada, settling in Montreal. Jacinta studied classical piano and pursued music courses at Dawson College and Concordia University. Jacinta completed an MA in Music Education at the University of Victoria where she developed her interest in vocal jazz, arranging, and composing as well as in educational philosophy and practice.

She has had a full performing career: as a solo vocalist/pianist and in quartets. Jacinta is currently a full time professor of Music at Dawson College where she teaches courses in Voice, Jazz History & Classical Music History, and is able to share her passion for music with her students, performing with them at the College’s annual benefit concerts.

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Musical Experience
From Jazz to Joel



Jacinta has had a full performing career: as a solo pianist and vocalist and in quartets at several Montreal hotels, such as the Four Seasons, the Ritz Carlton and the Bonaventure Hilton as well as the best jazz clubs in the city, including Biddle’s, Puzzles, L’ Air du Temps and Le Bijou. Jacinta has also appeared at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto.

She has had the honour of sharing the stage with some of our finest jazz artists: Charlie Biddles, Johnny Scott, Bernard Primeau, Michelle Sweeney, André White, Oliver Jones, Stephen Barry Blues Band, Tilden Webb and Sylvie Desgroseilliers.

As a side note, one of the high points for Jacinta was an unforgettable night when Billy Joel, who happened to be passing through Montreal, came up to the piano and asked if he could jam with her. Needless to say, she accepted!